Centerstate CEONPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Centerstate CEOThu, 21 Dec 2017 09:52:14 +0000Centerstate CEOhttp://wrvo.org
Tom MagnarelliCenterstate CEO President Rob Simpson is criticizing a report on central New York’s inland port, and the New York State Department of Transportation’s decision to locate the project in the town of DeWitt. The inland port would receive goods by rail from the Port of New York and New Jersey. Two years ago, Simpson said the inland port had the potential to create 2,000 jobs if warehousing could be developed adjacent to the rail terminal. But he said the DeWitt location is surrounded by protected wetlands, making it difficult to build warehousing. “The decision that has been made, which is to effectively declare the DeWitt rail yard as the only viable site for a central New York inland port, is inaccurate, represents a failure for this process, and represents a massive missed opportunity for central New York,” Simpson said. Simpson supported the inland port in the town of Camillus because there is more land to build warehousing. But the state commissioned report concluded DeWitt was theCritics say inland port decision is ‘massive missed opportunity’ for central NYhttp://wrvo.org/post/critics-say-inland-port-decision-massive-missed-opportunity-central-ny
112399 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 20 Dec 2017 09:31:00 +0000Critics say inland port decision is ‘massive missed opportunity’ for central NYPayne HorningCentral New York and the Mohawk Valley are joining the race to win the coveted second headquarters of Amazon . The online retailer giant plans to invest as much as $4 billion to build their new campus and expects to create as many as 50,000 jobs.Central New York, Mohawk Valley think drones could help bid for Amazon's new HQhttp://wrvo.org/post/central-new-york-mohawk-valley-think-drones-could-help-bid-amazons-new-hq
109565 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 17 Oct 2017 07:41:53 +0000Central New York, Mohawk Valley think drones could help bid for Amazon's new HQPayne HorningThe Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is becoming an integrated affiliate of CenterState CEO, central New York's principal economic development organization. Those involved in the partnership say it will help Oswego county share in the growth of the region. The Oswego-Fulton chamber is already a member of CenterState CEO's Chamber Alliance that includes chapters from from Utica, Cayuga and Cortland. But now the two economic development organizations are merging some of their backroom operations as well. Katie Toomey, executive director of the Oswego-Fulton chamber, says that will free up her small staff for larger projects. "What we can really do is focus on our members and some of the activities and events that the chamber offers like the farmer’s market while our colleagues at CenterState CEO can take care of things like billing and some of the backend office work that I don’t personally feel qualified to take care of," Toomey said. CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson says the newOswego-Fulton chamber partners with Centerstate CEOhttp://wrvo.org/post/oswego-fulton-chamber-partners-centerstate-ceo
100197 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 03 Mar 2017 09:36:00 +0000Oswego-Fulton chamber partners with Centerstate CEOEllen AbbottThe lack of progress on creation of an inland port in the Syracuse area is frustrating central New York business boosters. CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson says in the last six months central New York has lost out on two big opportunities to create jobs, because of lack of an inland port. "We’re seeing active leads, companies are talking to us in central New York about building major warehousing and distribution centers. And the first question out of their mouth is, we heard about this inland port, where is it? And now we don’t have a great answer to give them,” said Simpson. It was something promised to be built by the end of last year in Jamesville, after central New York won an Upstate Revitalization Grant from New York state in 2015. But politics stalled movement on the plan when residents of the town of DeWitt balked at the idea of an inland warehouse and bulk cargo center in their backyard. Simpson says that means thousands of jobs lost in a region that has seen littleInland port plans stalled, frustrating business communityhttp://wrvo.org/post/inland-port-plans-stalled-frustrating-business-community
98401 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 17 Jan 2017 09:38:00 +0000Inland port plans stalled, frustrating business communityTom MagnarelliPart of the economic growth strategy Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out in his State of the State speech in Syracuse includes the creation of high-tech jobs. Cuomo announced the state will invest $30 million into the Saab company, which will add about 250 new jobs to Syracuse and make its facility their new North American headquarters. Cuomo said the development of radar and sensing technology fits perfectly into drone industry. "Nationwide, this is an industry that has tremendous potential," Cuomo said. "We want the home of it and the capitol of it to be central New York and it will.” CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said to the governor’s credit, Cuomo has been listening to central New York’s Regional Economic Development Council’s push into the drone industry. “It’s perfectly aligned with our regional strategy," Simpson said. "Here’s a global company based in Sweden that’s making Syracuse their North American headquarters. That’s incredibly exciting.” Cuomo has tried to invest inCuomo announces Saab to add 250 new jobs in Syracuse with $30 million state investmenthttp://wrvo.org/post/cuomo-announces-saab-add-250-new-jobs-syracuse-30-million-state-investment
98228 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 12 Jan 2017 21:03:00 +0000Cuomo announces Saab to add 250 new jobs in Syracuse with $30 million state investmentEllen AbbottCentral New York’s economy continues to lag behind others across the country and in upstate, according to the CenterState CEO annual economic forecast.Central New York economy behind the packhttp://wrvo.org/post/central-new-york-economy-behind-pack
98216 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 12 Jan 2017 09:27:00 +0000Central New York economy behind the packTom MagnarelliCenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said despite encouraging economic developments in central New York over the past few years, the economy and population of the region is stagnant. Simpson said the current trajectory of Syracuse and Onondaga County is not sustainable. “Does our community have the appetite to disrupt this cycle, this system, of economic stagnation, or don’t we?” Simpson asked. Speaking at the chamber of commerce’s annual meeting, Simpson made it clear what he thinks about some of the biggest and most divisive issues facing the area, an area that has not grown in more than 40 years. “Our civic discourse has descended to the lowest point that I can recall since returning to Syracuse 13 years ago,” Simpson said. “The pessimism and distrust that too often holds us back, has been on full display.” On the Inner Harbor neighborhood by COR Development, he said construction has been ground to a halt by lawsuits from the city. On the Inland Port proposal for Jamesville, justCenterState CEO president says central NY must unite to turn around sluggish economyhttp://wrvo.org/post/centerstate-ceo-president-says-central-ny-must-unite-turn-around-sluggish-economy
86831 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 07 Apr 2016 08:50:00 +0000CenterState CEO president says central NY must unite to turn around sluggish economyTom MagnarelliIncluded in central New York’s upstate revitalization plan is $40 million to develop an inland port that will process international freight containers coming from the Port of New York and New Jersey. The proposed location of the inland port is just outside of Syracuse in Jamesville, but another competing plan in a different location has been under consideration for years.East Syracuse one of several locations competing for inland porthttp://wrvo.org/post/east-syracuse-one-several-locations-competing-inland-port
86014 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 21 Mar 2016 08:04:00 +0000East Syracuse one of several locations competing for inland portEllen AbbottCentral New York’s economy continues to lag behind other Upstate New York communities according to an assessment of last year’s regional economic trends from last year. Economic forecasters predict continued slow growth. But business leaders are hoping that a recent state investment into the central New York region can turn that around. M & T Bank regional economist Gary Keith says the economic numbers from last year weren't horrible, but didn’t show a lot of growth either. "One of the challenges we have is getting all our oars in the water, rowing in the same fashion, and frankly there were a few that were not pulling their weight, and when you have that you go in circles instead of straight ahead. And that was the tenor and tone of 2015.” According to Keith, a speaker at Wednesday’s CenterState CEO’s economic forecast breakfast, manufacturing and service industries lagged last year. That, along with a declining workforce, created a stagnant economy, which has been the case inCentral NY economic forecast looking brighter, thanks to economic development awardhttp://wrvo.org/post/central-ny-economic-forecast-looking-brighter-thanks-economic-development-award
83144 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 14 Jan 2016 09:29:00 +0000Central NY economic forecast looking brighter, thanks to economic development awardTom MagnarelliCentral New York's proposal for the state's economic development competition includes one project with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs. Those jobs could go to a part of Syracuse that needs it the most.Inland Port could bring 2,000 jobs to an area in Syracuse that needs it the mosthttp://wrvo.org/post/inland-port-could-bring-2000-jobs-area-syracuse-needs-it-most
79051 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 09 Oct 2015 08:04:00 +0000Inland Port could bring 2,000 jobs to an area in Syracuse that needs it the mostEllen AbbottThere’s another state-driven economic development competition taking place in central New York in coming months. This contest is based on a similar successful program in Buffalo called 43North. Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the $3 million dollar GENIUS NY business competition open to data-centric technology companies from all over the world, and hosted by the The Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse. Seth Mulligan, vice president of innovation at CenterState CEO says the selection of six finalists will end a little differently than some other state economic development competitions. “When they’re selected, they’re going to work in this building for a year. We’re going to give them ten thousand dollars a month to keep their company running and growing,” said Mulligan. At the end of the year, the finalists will vie for the state cash. Of the finalists, one will be required to be from central New York. The awards at the end of the competition would be distributed in 2017. MulliganNew start-up competition has different strategy to bring businesses to central NYhttp://wrvo.org/post/new-start-competition-has-different-strategy-bring-businesses-central-ny
74203 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 22 Jun 2015 19:59:06 +0000New start-up competition has different strategy to bring businesses to central NYEllen AbbottManufacturing is far from dead in central New York. But it can sometimes be a challenge for manufacturing companies to find qualified workers. A new pre-apprenticeship program has been designed to train more workers for these jobs. Darco Manufacturing in Mattydale employs 36 people in the production machining business. They’ve hired eight people in the last eight months according to general manager Laura Miller, and only one had manufacturing experience. “We look for people with sparkle in their eyes, who have sort of kinetic energy, who like to solve problems, and as far as their past experience, that’s a little bit less important,” said Miller. “We like to hire for potential and teach the skills.” But Miller says finding those people can be a challenge, because many job seekers don’t consider manufacturing as an employment option. Dominic Robinson of CenterState CEO says there’s a perception that manufacturing is dead in central New York. "Because manufacturing isn’t dominated by aManufacturing companies in central New York need trained employeeshttp://wrvo.org/post/manufacturing-companies-central-new-york-need-trained-employees
71899 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 01 May 2015 11:07:33 +0000Manufacturing companies in central New York need trained employeesRyan DelaneyCentral New York’s business and economic development agency is starting a new chamber of commerce for minority-run companies. According to CenterState CEO, the black and Latino communities in New York have $170 billion in buying power. That’s why, it says, it’s forming the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, the only one in the region. The news was announced at CenterState’s annual meeting. Edward Cuello will lead the new Upstate MEA. He says its mission will be to harness the minority community’s business and buying power. "With that power acting as a catalyst, we will bring greater prosperity to all," he said. CenterState awarded its first minority-owned business of the year award. It was given to CHC Group, a construction firm that built Syracuse University’s new law school, among other projects.Minority business chamber of commerce launches in central New Yorkhttp://wrvo.org/post/minority-business-chamber-commerce-launches-central-new-york
70571 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 06 Apr 2015 08:48:00 +0000Minority business chamber of commerce launches in central New YorkGrant ReeherRob Simpson heads CenterState CEO , the region's principal business development non-profit organization, and he also co-chairs the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council . In this episode of the Campbell Conversations, host Grant Reeher engages Simpson on the economic development debates currently circulating in the Syracuse region, and the prospects for recapturing economic vibrancy.Rob Simpson on the Campbell Conversationshttp://wrvo.org/post/rob-simpson-campbell-conversations
70049 as http://wrvo.orgSun, 22 Mar 2015 13:38:47 +0000Rob Simpson on the Campbell ConversationsEllen AbbottEast meets West in a glass at Empire Brewing Company in downtown Syracuse. The new Two Dragon beer is the result of a Syracuse business delegation that visited China last year. The new craft brew relies on Fu brick tea imported from China for its unique taste. It got rave reviews when it was introduced at Empire this week, with tasters describing it as smooth, but with a little edge of tea flavor. Empire founder David Katleski says it actually makes sense to use tea in the brewing of beer. “What you’re doing is combining two different types of fermented products into one. So I think there is good synergy there.” There is also a kind of synergy between Empire Brewing Company and the Jing Wei Fu Tea Company of China. Officials from the two companies met while a delegation of CenterState CEO staff and Syracuse community members, including Katleski , went on a seven day trip to China. CenterState President Rob Simpson says this can be an example of how companies large and small can takeEast meets West with a new beer from Empire Brewing Companyhttp://wrvo.org/post/east-meets-west-new-beer-empire-brewing-company
68235 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 11 Feb 2015 16:50:14 +0000East meets West with a new beer from Empire Brewing CompanyEllen AbbottThe business incubator that has helped spawn several businesses in downtown Syracuse is growing. The Tech Garden has had a waiting list for over two years at it's original space on Warren Street, so it's expanding -- by 18,000 square feet. Tech Garden II, on the ground floor of AXA Tower II, opens up more opportunities for startups who can take advantage of the support and facilities offered at the Tech Garden. Dave Bulger is starting up a company called tuzag, something he says he couldn't have done without that support. "What you get from the Tech Garden is not just a nice break on rent, but access to people and resources that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise," Bulger said. There are already six new businesses working out of the Tech Garden II. The expansion answers the need for more space and innovative programs for entrepreneurs, like collaborative efforts between Centerstate CEO and Syracuse University. "The fewer things I can spend money on, the better -- because I don'tTech Garden expands, makes dent in two-year waiting list for entrepreneurshttp://wrvo.org/post/tech-garden-expands-makes-dent-two-year-waiting-list-entrepreneurs
67860 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 03 Feb 2015 15:46:18 +0000Tech Garden expands, makes dent in two-year waiting list for entrepreneursEllen AbbottThere will be another competition for state economic development dollars, if the state legislature approves spending $1.5 billion for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed Upstate New York Economic Revitalization Competition. At least one Central New York Economic development official is ready for the challenge. For Centerstate CEO Executive Director Rob Simpson, these competitions for state money are becoming old hat. He’s been involved in the Regional Economic Development Council bid process since it started four years ago, and has seen central New York come through with several winning proposals. Simpson says competing with other parts of the state for economic development cash is a way to get the best ideas on the table. "The competitive process – yes, it creates winners and losers -- but it also does force us to bring our best ideas forward,” Simpson said. “It forces us to make sure those ideas are thoughtful, they’re properly vetted, they’re real; that we’re leveraging private sectorEconomic revitalization: Syracuse readies for Cuomo's proposed competitionhttp://wrvo.org/post/economic-revitalization-syracuse-readies-cuomos-proposed-competition
67376 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 23 Jan 2015 12:57:11 +0000Economic revitalization: Syracuse readies for Cuomo's proposed competitionRyan DelaneyGoing in to 2015, there is more confidence in central New York’s economy to be found in an annual business survey. Last year, there was only limited optimism among economists and business leaders for economic growth in the region. But CenterState CEO president Rob Simpson says he has much more confidence for 2015. "A much different picture than we heard last year and the anecdotal sense of confidence I hear from members of the business community is a marked difference from last year," he said Thursday. CenterState, a chamber of commerce and then some for the area, put out an annual forecast report based on surveys of 230 business leaders. Slightly over half the companies polled say they plan to hire this year. Even more companies, 78 percent, say they’ll at least maintain their workforce, which if not great news, is decent. "T he fact that you’re maintaining is the first place to start. Because once you maintain, then you start growing and then you start hiring," said Becca Dernberger,More confidence seen in central New York economy for 2015http://wrvo.org/post/more-confidence-seen-central-new-york-economy-2015
67033 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 16 Jan 2015 09:44:51 +0000More confidence seen in central New York economy for 2015Ellen AbbottIt’s been a good year for Syracuse Hancock International Airport, according to it’s yearly report to the community. It added new concessions, a new airline and destinations, and improvements to the facility. But perhaps the biggest change came behind the scenes, as facility management was turned over to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. “We’ve gotten the hard part out of the way in getting the paperwork out of the way with the transfer," said Airport Chief Christina Callahan. "That took a lot of time, and it took a lot of work. So now we can refocus our efforts on air service and continuing to improve the facility.” She says airport officials are now looking at a wish list for next year, but that central New Yorkers are "California Dreamin'." She knows that because of a recent study done in conjunction with CenterState CEO asking where central New Yorkers want to go. But flying out west from Syracuse is not an easy task. “Direct service to L.A. or San Francisco is probably neverSyracuse Hancock International Airport is looking west for continued growthhttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-hancock-international-airport-looking-west-continued-growth
61725 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 15 Sep 2014 09:28:00 +0000Syracuse Hancock International Airport is looking west for continued growthEllen AbbottTechnological times have changed since the Tech Garden set up shop on Warren Street in Syracuse almost ten years ago. Six months ago, the technical infrastructure at the Tech Garden was sadly lacking. "The projection wasn’t widescreen, it wasn’t high-definition," said Seth Mulligan, Tech Garden Innovation Services vice president. "The Internet was crashing and it was slow.” Mulligan says that wouldn’t do for the home of more than 40 on-site high-tech companies, and the more than 400 companies connected to the facility through programs they offer. So the Tech Garden, run by CenterState CEO, upgraded. It installed the latest audio-visual equipment in a new Fibertech Networks Theater and new fiber networks that bring blazing fast Internet. He admits the tens of thousands of dollars spent on this upgrade is necessary, noting that things have changed from the days when people shared laptops in their offices. "Now they have a laptop, a phone, a tablet, and that’s per person," Mulligan said. Syracuse's Tech Garden receives needed upgradehttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuses-tech-garden-receives-needed-upgrade
59058 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 22 Jul 2014 10:24:49 +0000Syracuse's Tech Garden receives needed upgrade